Bill Truesdell <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>The issue is with store-bought queens and supercedure. To move it out
>of that arena adds too many variables.

Hello Bill,

There may be several variables at play so we must add them. That they
are “store-bought” queens in NO WAY eliminates or limit’s the variables
that may be causing the supercedure.

>if cumaphos is
>present and queens come in contact with it they will be effected.
>...If the miticides were not present at any time, the mites would still
>affect the queen and other bees.

In my experience, this is not true! I’m having NO problems with mites
affecting my queens performance, and I never use any treatments for
disease and pests.

>The immune system is not at issue as to cumaphose or any of the
miticides.

Sure it is!!!!
Fluvalinate (the active ingredient found in Apistan) belongs to a class of
pesticides called synthetic pyrethroids. Pyrethroids are sodium channel
modulators that have a mode of action affecting the nerve, immune system
and the ATPase (an enzyme that allows basic cell processes to take place
including the nerve and immune system).

Research also backs this up. A study by Dr. Grosman showed that
pyrethroids can impact the nerve and immune system on the most basic
level. This study shows that pyrethroids alone and in synergistic
interactions inhibit the enzyme ATPase (enzumes found in all insects and
mammals) which allows basic cell processes to take place including the
nerve and immune system.

Best Wishes

Joe Waggle
Ecologicalbeekeeping.com
‘Bees Gone Wild Apiaries'
Feral Bee Project:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FeralBeeProject/

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